Tag Archives: opioid addiction

It might surprise some people to find out that prescription medications are often used to treat people with addictions to drugs. If that sounds counterproductive or dangerous, you shouldn’t be too concerned given that the prescription drugs will be administered by a medical professional who works for the rehab center.

If you are wondering what kinds of prescription medication is being prescribed, there are some very important medications that doctors will prescribe to help clients go through detox. While some of these medications are intended to help clients deal with pain and sleeping issues, there are other medications that are used to help them safely wean clients off very dangerous illicit substances like heroin and fentanyl. One such medication is called methadone. Methadone is an opiate that’s used to help opioid addiction sufferers taper away from other opiates.

In rehab, clients might also have to continue taking medications they need to help them deal with psychological or mental disorders. A good example of such a medication would be a drug like Xanax. Xanax is a benzodiazepine used mainly for the treatment of anxiety.

Moving forward, the discussion is going to center on both methadone and Xanax and the dangers of using these two medications at the same. This discussion is relative because of the likelihood it could occur in rehab and does occur sometimes on the streets.

How Lethal Is a Methadone and Xanax Combination?

Before starting this discussion, it’s important to note that at no time should someone take multiple drugs without first consulting with a doctor. There are significant risks associated with combining substances without a clear understanding of how the substances are going to interact with one another. The combination of methadone and Xanax is a clear example of how dangerous combing substances can be.

To be very clear, no one should combine methadone and Xanax without a prescription from a doctor. Furthermore, it’s vitally important that the client strictly follow the doctor’s prescription as written. The following information will clarify why that’s so important.

The first area of concern in regards to the combination of these two substances is the effect the combination will have on the individual’s respiratory system. You see, both methadone and Xanax have properties than tend to suppress a person’s respiratory system. If someone were to take both medications at the same time, it would have the effect of doubling up on those the properties that suppress respiration. Even the slightest error in dosage could lead the client to have great difficulty breathing. Effectively, it could lead to the individual dying of an opioid overdose.

Both methadone and Xanax acts as sedatives. That would make sense given methadone is an opioid and Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders. Again, taking both substances at the same time would have the effect of doubling up on the sedation. While that unto itself is not terribly dangerous, the sedative effect combined with any interruption in breathing could be lethal.

Alternative Solution

In an addiction treatment setting, doctors would be leery about allowing clients to keep taking Xanax while using methadone to wean off opiates. Does that leave the client exposed to issues with their anxiety disorder? Yes, it probably does. However, there are other medications the rehab facility’s doctor could prescribe as an alternative to Xanax. It could be a medication that significantly cuts down the risk of harm when combined with methadone. The solution would be temporary given the likelihood the client could resume taking Xanax once they have completed their methadone treatment program.

Dealing with poly-substance Abuse

Both methadone and Xanax are high on the list of medications that get abused. They are both also high on the list of substances that have addictive properties. When someone enters rehab with an addiction to multiple substances, they are said to be victims of poly-substance abuse. Rehabs have programs to deal with such addictions, but the process is obviously complicated by the fact doctors and therapists have more issues they have to consider during treatment.

As stated above, you would be taking a terrible risk if you decided to start abusing Xanax and any type of opiate substance at the same time. If you find yourself addicted to either or both of these types of substances, you need to contact us as soon as possible about coming in for treatment. You can reach us 24/7 by dialing 800-737-0933. Given the risks you are facing with addiction, now is the time to call.

If you’re ready to end your relationship with hydrocodone, there are a few things that you should know. Similar to other drugs, the withdrawal symptoms that come with going through detox can be severe and, in some cases, may even lead to relapse. Some of the withdrawal symptoms commonly associated with abrupt hydrocodone cessation include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. And these symptoms can last between 5 and 7 days on average. While all of these symptoms are unpleasant, most will agree that the pain associated with coming off of the powerful narcotic is by far the worse. Fortunately, many rehab facilities provide substance abuse treatments that can help ease pain and many other symptoms that make achieving sobriety difficult.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE DETOXING FROM HYDROCODONE

Now that we have a basic understanding of the withdrawal symptoms that one is likely to face as they work toward ending their relationship with hydrocodone, let’s take a closer look at the withdrawal timeline. According to a study published by Medical News Today, an online resource for medical news aimed at both physicians and the general public, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms often present themselves within 6 to 12 hours following an individual’s last dose. And all of these symptoms, including pain, can vary in intensity depending on how long an individual has been using and how much of the drug they were consuming before starting their detox journey.

MANAGING PAIN WHILE DETOXING FROM HYDROCODONE

When it comes to helping individuals cope with pain symptoms associated with coming off of hydrocodone, many rehab facilities will offer medication-assisted detox, which includes the use of various prescription-based medications that have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Along with helping to soothe pain, many of these same medications are effective in easing many of the other symptoms that can make getting through detox challenging, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, for example. That said, some of the prescription-based medications used by most rehab facilities include

Buprenorphine – This FDA-approved medication is classified as a partial opioid agonist, which means that it blocks opioid receptors in the brain that are responsible for triggering the euphoric high that comes with abusing hydrocodone and many other opioids. It is also worth noting that buprenorphine is a long-acting partial opioid agonist that carries a low risk for abuse. Along with pain, this prescription-based medication also provides relief from several other symptoms, including anxiety, sweating, and vomiting.

Clonidine – Commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), clonidine is yet another FDA-approved medication that is used to treat severe withdrawal symptoms. Studies show that clonidine helps block chemicals in the brain that would otherwise lead to sympathetic nervous system activity, a condition that triggers muscle pain, anxiety, sweating, and vomiting while individuals are going through detox.

Methadone – Similar to buprenorphine, methadone is a long-acting partial opioid agonist that works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which, in turn, eases pain and other symptoms associated with coming off of hydrocodone. It is important to note that methadone is highly addictive. Therefore it must be taken as prescribed to avoid the risk of substituting one drug problem for another one.

NON-PRESCRIPTION PAIN MANAGEMENT TREATMENTS

Ideally, individuals who are trying to overcome an addiction to hydrocodone should seek the help of a licensed rehab facility, preferably one that offers medication-assisted detox. However, for those who are trying to quit using on their own, there are over-the-counter medications that you can take to ease severe withdrawal symptoms, including

Tylenol – For those who are struggling with minor aches and pains while going through detox, Tylenol can provide some much-needed relief. However, much like prescription-based medication, it must be taken responsibly. Therefore, you will want to follow the instructions on the packaging for safe and effective dosing.

Loperamide – Also known as Imodium, loperamide is an over-the-counter medication that can help combat diarrhea. Studies show that loperamide works by reducing movement in the gut, which can reduce bowel movements while bulking up loose stool.

Electrolytes – While detoxing from hydrocodone, it is not uncommon to experience vomiting and diarrhea, both of which can result in a loss of fluids and dehydration. The best way to combat both of these problems is by consuming sports drinks, such as Gatorade, that contain electrolytes. Staying hydrated can also help ease pain symptoms as well.

BOTTOM LINE

All in all, there are many ways to cope with pain and other symptoms associated with overcoming hydrocodone addiction. To learn more about the prescription and at-home treatments detailed in this article, consider speaking with one of our friendly addiction specialists today at 800-737-0933.

Opioids are a powerful class of drugs that are primarily used to provide pain relief. There are many different types of opioids including medications like morphine, fentanyl and even street drugs like heroin. Opioids are classed as being either natural, semisynthetic or fully synthetic depending on the process and substances with which they are manufactured. All opioids are highly addictive substances and abusing opioids or even taking opioids in a prescribed manner can easily result in chemical dependence and opioid addiction.

How Do Opioids Work?

Opioids are most commonly taken orally or by injection although sprays, dermal patches and other forms of administration may also be used. Once an opioid has entered the body, it acts upon receptors within the central nervous system in order to reduce sensations of pain and discomfort. Opioids can vary considerably in terms of potency depending on the dose and type of drug being used. In addition to relieving pain, opioids can also produce a powerful euphoric sensation which often leads to increased instances of abuse and addiction.

Natural Opioids

While some opioids are made from partially are fully synthetic chemicals, drugs like opium, morphine and codeine are made naturally from the opium poppy. Despite the substances and process used to manufacture them, natural opioids can be just as dangerous and addictive as their synthetic counterparts, especially when abused or taken in an unsafe manner. Morphine is one of the most widely-used medications for pain management and is often prescribed to patients following a traumatic injury as well as during and after a surgical procedure. Even when prescribed by a doctor, morphine and other natural opioids can be highly habit forming and those who abuse the drug run a much higher risk of developing an addiction or suffering an opioid overdose.

Semisynthetic Opioids

This type of opioid is made using chemical compounds that are derived from the naturally-occurring compounds found within the poppy plan. While many semisynthetic opioids were created in an attempt to reduce the addictive properties of natural opioids, such efforts were not always successful. Common examples of semisynthetic drugs include hydrocodone, oxycodone, benzylmorphine as well as the street drug heroin.

Synthetic Opioids

Drugs like methadone, fentanyl, and dextropropoxyphene are wholly synthetic and were manufactured using man-made compounds. Drugs like fentanyl are used in the treatment of extreme pain as they are far more potent than natural opioids like morphine and require a much smaller dose in order to be effective. Other drugs like methadone are less potent and are frequently used to provide relief from the symptoms of withdrawal for those who attempting to overcome an addiction to heroin, morphine or other more powerful opioids.

Opioid Addiction

The high potency and habit-forming nature of opioids makes them a highly-addictive substance. Opioid addiction is a very common problem, one that often begins when patients are provided with a prescription for pain-management medication by a physician. Those who are taking opioids following a surgery, accident or other type of injury may notice that the effects of their medication may begin to decrease the longer they take it. Attempting to self medicate by upping the dosage in order to produce the same level of relief that patients have become accustomed to can easily lead to an addiction.

Signs of an Opioid Addiction

There are many signs that may indicate someone is developing or suffering from an opioid addiction. Common indications of a problem often include:

Mood swings

Loss of interest in work, school or personal activities

Pinpoint pupils are dark marks along the arms

Going through prescriptions too quickly

Fatuige and increased sleepiness

Being able to recognize the signs of chemical dependency and addiction can be crucial to recovery. Opioid addicts who fail to seek help are far more likely to suffer from the long-term health effects of opioids which often include overdose and death.

Treatment and Recovery

Attempting to overcome an opioid addiction without professional help can be far more difficult. Even acute withdrawal symptoms may be dangerous without proper medical supervision. There are numerous treatment options, including both inpatient and outpatient care. Even long-term counseling and emotional support groups can be powerful tools for those who are struggling to overcome an addiction.

If you are someone close to you is suffering from a problem with opioids, seeking help can make a life-saving difference. Call us today at 800-737-0933 to learn more about treatment options and other resources.

Substance abuse alone is difficult to deal with, but throw in a mental illness like bipolar disorder into the mix and you have a lethal combination that needs additional treatment options. Dual diagnosis has been one of the central focuses of attention for addiction researchers in recent years, as they’ve discovered a high occurrence of mental disorders alongside addiction disorders. As many as 50% of people with a mental illness also have a co-existing mental disorder.

Dual diagnosis is the clinical term applied to people who have both substance abuse and mental disorders. Bipolar disorder is one of the most severe forms of mental illness and is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Both substance abuse disorders and bipolar disorder are very serious conditions and need treatment alongside each other.

Treatment Centers and Dual Diagnosis

Today’s Florida treatment centers are highly trained in dual diagnosis. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed yet with a mental disorder, a substance abuse treatment center may be the first place that you learn about the existence of both disorders and finally get help for them. They can monitor bipolar disorder that’s already been diagnosed or evaluate for a case of suspected bipolar disorder.

When someone has bipolar disorder, they often have frequent mood swings and episodes alternating between “mania” and “depression.” During manic episodes, a patient tends to have a grandiose view of themselves and feel invisible, but this eventually swings back to periods of depression that includes loss of interest in activities or even friends. Bipolar patients tend to have chaotic lives because of the effects of their mood swings, risky behavior during manic episodes, and sometimes suicidal behavior during depressive episodes.

Many patients with undiagnosed bipolar disorder self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Eventually the self-medicating behavior leads to progressive addiction that grows worse over time. The bipolar disorder makes the substance abuse disorder more severe, and the substance abuse disorder exacerbates the mental illness and makes it more severe, leading to sometimes dangerous, risky, or even criminal behavior. Problems with friends, family, and even the legal system might become an issue.

Finding Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Finding a dual diagnosis treatment center in Florida is easier than ever before. Because of the prevalence of dual diagnosis in substance abuse cases, almost every rehabilitation center is trained to spot these co-existing disorders and treat them simultaneously. The result is a more well-rounded approach to treatment and more effective relapse prevention plans.

When you call a Florida rehab center to inquire about treatment programs, be sure to ask if they have a team that is qualified in dual diagnosis. In other words, if they need to administer bipolar medication to a patient, are they qualified to do so? Do they have a licensed psychiatrist on hand who can treat bipolar disorder as well as the substance abuse disorder the person is seeking treatment for? If so, you’ve found a dual diagnosis center and can trust that facility to help you.

There’s Help Now

Years ago, before people knew the link between mental illness and substance abuse, it could be difficult to decipher instances where both were existing at the same time. Someone with a substance abuse disorder might have been written off as mentally ill, or someone with a serious mental illness might have been written off as just someone with a substance abuse problem. Now professionals know that there is a higher likelihood of mental illnesses in people with substance abuse disorders, and they’re trained to spot the signs and treat both at once.

It’s natural for someone with a mental illness to want to get help from a dual diagnosis facility because you have to make sure that the facility can treat all of your medical issues, not just the substance abuse disorder. Thanks to a staff of licensed psychiatrists and highly qualified counselors and caring people, we’re able to provide dual diagnosis facilities in Florida. All of our staff can evaluate and treat for mental illnesses and addictions at the same time so that you don’t have to neglect one condition in order to treat the other. All of your needs are met right here with us in our safe, well-equipped facility in Florida. It’s a great place to get help and get well.

If you have or suspect you need dual diagnosis care, we’re the people to call. Just pick up the phone when you’re ready and call us at 800-737-0933.

America finds itself caught in an opioid addiction epidemic. Prescription painkillers, heroin and the ever-dangerous fentanyl are dominating the headlines for all the wrong reasons. If you are suffering from an addiction to any kind of opioid, you’re facing some very serious long-term repercussions if you don’t get help. We hope you realize that, which is why you are looking for information.

With your need for information in mind, we want to encourage you to get help now. To help motivate you, we want to tell you about the treatment process. Hopefully, this will put your mind at ease and let you know what to expect. Much of our focus is going to be placed on the detox process and the use of detox medications.

When you locate the right treatment facility based on your needs, you’ll likely go through an intake interview. The facility’s clinician is simply gathering information about your addiction profile. From this profile, they should be able to determine the proper course of treatment.

Tapering Detox Programs – The Risk of Abuse

While therapy and aftercare are important aspects of treatment, it’s all predicated on the addiction sufferer successfully getting past withdrawal and their cravings. It would be a mistake to underestimate the importance of a detox program, especially for someone with an addiction to opioids. Remember, the withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction can be quite dangerous. We are talking about symptoms such as:

Respiratory and circulatory issues

Severe muscle spasms in the stomach and extremity regions

Psychological issues such as anxiety and depression

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Sleeping issues

The point of a detox program is to help clients get through these withdrawal symptoms with a minimum of discomfort. If the client does encounter discomfort, the detox facility’s medical staff has the option to prescribe certain medications for relief.

That brings us to a very serious discussion. There are times when a client enters rehab with a very significant addiction to an opioid substance. If the addiction is deep-rooted enough, a standard detox program might not suffice as far as keeping the client safe. That’s when a tapering program becomes the best solution. In a tapering program, a doctor will prescribe medications like Suboxone or Methadone to help ease the client away from their addiction. The process could take weeks instead of months, but it’s necessary for the welfare of the client.

Unfortunately, tapering medications are derivatives of the substances being treated. That makes them addictive. That raises an important question: “Who Is At Risk of Abusing Opioid Medications?” The short answer is anyone who misuses the prescribed medications.

Given the fact these drugs are addictive unto themselves, they must be taken as the doctor prescribes. The doctor’s job is to monitor the client’s progress to assure everything is going as the doctor planned. If the client takes larger doses or takes a tapering drug more often than prescribed, it’s substance abuse. As you can imagine, substituting one addiction for another is not good. The client is obligated to follow the doctor’s instructions or risk further problems.

After going through a detox program, the client should be ready for the rest of the treatment process.

Addiction Therapy

Therapy is the meat and potatoes of addiction treatment. This is the opportunity for the client to identify the personal issues that are driving their desire to hide behind a harmful substance. To get to that point, the client has to be willing to speak openly and honestly with the therapist. With the therapist’s direction, the real issues should become apparent.

After identifying the issues at hand, the client has the opportunity to develop very specific coping skills they can use to combat their problems. With the right coping skills, relapses can be avoided.

Aftercare Programs

After the client has completed treatment, they have to leave rehab and begin living life on life’s terms. The good news is they don’t have to do that alone. The rehab facility should be able to offer them access to aftercare programs the client can use as support resources. The best support resources include outpatient counseling, sober living options and 12-Step meetings.

If you have an addiction to opioids, you have to be cautious. Your overall well-being is at risk. We would like to recommend you let us help you arrest your addiction and reclaim your life. If you are ready to start treatment, please call us at 123-456-7890.

It’s crucial to get answers from medical professionals versus reading online or asking friends and family members. Your physician or pharmacist will give you accurate information that will help you use your medication responsibility.

Take Your Prescription Medication As Directed

Taking your opioid medication exactly as directed is a crucial part of responsible use. In many cases, you will be instructed to take a dose of medication every four to six hours.

Do not ever take your medication more frequently than prescribed. That’s the easiest yet most important tip to keep in mind. Here are some more directions and tips to follow:

If you aren’t in pain, you may skip a dose of painkillers.

Do not consume any alcohol while taking opioid medication.

Do not take any sedative medications unless okayed by a doctor.

Take your medication with meals or as otherwise directed.

Make sure you read the pamphlet that comes with your medication. If you cannot find it, call your doctor or pharmacist for a replacement.

You should also let your doctor or pharmacist know if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications. This will help you avoid the risk of potentially dangerous drug interactions.

Use Non-Opioid Pain Management Whenever Possible

Opioids are not the only option you have for pain management. You can limit your opioid use by trying out different pain management methods. Here are some examples to consider:

heating pads and ice packs for hot/cold therapy

over-the-counter NSAIDs

massage therapy

meditation and relaxation techniques

The exact methods you use depend on your specific situation. These options are generally considered safe, but it’s best to use caution. Make sure to consult with your physician to ensure you choose safe non-opioid alternatives.

Dispose Of Your Leftover Opioid Medication Responsibly

When your pain is better, you may have leftover opioid medication. Getting rid of your medication in a safe and responsible manner is important. Here are some options that may be available to you:

local law enforcement may offer a medication take-back service; they will dispose of your painkillers for you

permanent collection sites for taking back medication may be available at pharmacies and hospitals near you

crush and mix the unused medication with dirt, coffee grounds, or other substances

put the crushed medication mixture in a sealed plastic bag and throw it away

Following the steps above can help reduce the risk of opioid dependency. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to completely avoid drug abuse or drug addiction.

The good news is that there is help available. You can receive honest, supportive assistance without any judgment. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 123-456-7890 to get the information you’re looking for.

Opioid is the general term for a narcotic derived, ultimately, from the opium poppy. Opiates are natural opioids. Some of these drugs are prescribed to control pain while others, such as heroin, are illegal. All of them are similar in that they lock into receptors in the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.

Opioids can be problematic because along with pain relief many of them cause an intense euphoria when they are taken. This can lead to dependence and addiction. People can overdose on opioids, though the symptoms can be reversed by taking an opioid antagonist called naloxone. Naloxone also locks into opioid receptors, but it doesn’t produce the euphoria associated with opioids such as heroin. Here are some opioids:

Heroin

Heroin or diamorphine is a synthetic opioid made from morphine, which is an opiate. Though it was created as a pain reliever by the same people who developed aspirin, heroin is now illegal. When it is pure, it is a white powder, though as a street drug it is rarely used in its pure form. It is snorted, smoked or injected. A type of heroin called black tar resembles asphalt and gets its color from the impurities that remain after it’s been processed.

The drug can easily pass through the blood-brain barrier, a physiological system that usually protects the brain from toxins. Once there, the body converts heroin into morphine, which then binds to mu-opioid receptors. The person feels a rush that can be very intense and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. After the rush, the person grows drowsy and “nods off.” Other initial effects of heroin are:

These symptoms appear because heroin, like all opioids, is a central nervous system depressant. A person who takes too much heroin can die if their breathing and heart rate are drastically slowed down by the drug.

Fentanyl

Unlike heroin, fentanyl is legal but strictly controlled. Like other opioids, it is prescribed for pain. It is also 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. An analog of fentanyl, carfentanil, is 100 times stronger than fentanyl. Both are used to ease the pain of end-stage cancer. Like heroin, dependency can develop with fentanyl, especially if the person takes it for a long time. Unlike heroin, it is not injected or snorted, but comes in the form of a tablet placed under the tongue, a film placed on the skin, a lozenge meant to dissolve slowly between the patient’s gum and cheek or a lollipop. A patient who is taking fentanyl must be monitored by and work closely with their doctor.

A person who is on fentanyl should not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit. This is true if the patient is using any type of opioid, because grapefruit has a chemical that stops the body from metabolizing opioids. This intensifies the effect of the drug and can lead to sudden death even if the fruit or the juice is taken hours after the person has taken their opioid drug.

Methadone

Methadone is also a legal opioid, but it is different from the others in that it is used to wean a patient from their dependency on another opioid. It can only be prescribed through an opioid treatment program, or OTP that is certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Methadone is also used to treat pain, including the pain of withdrawal from other opioids such as heroin. It is taken once a day as a pill, a liquid or a wafer under a doctor’s supervision and at a dosage that is tailored to the needs of the patient. Many patients need to go to a clinic to take their dose of methadone if they are using it to quit another opioid. When they are seen to be reliable and stable, they can take the drug home with them.

Like other opioids, a person can become addicted to methadone, so it is crucial that they take it exactly as their doctor prescribed. This is especially true of patients who can take the drug home with them.

There are many other types of opioids, including hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone and codeine. They are powerful, pain-killing drugs that have made the lives of many patients bearable, but the risk of abusing and even dying from these drugs is considerable if they are misused. If you feel you have a problem with opioids, don’t hesitate to call us today. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us at 123-456-7890.

Heroin is a dangerous drug derived from the opium poppy. It is illegal in the United States. Heroin is highly addictive. Drug rehab centers often use another drug, Suboxone, to help people break their heroin addictions. Read on for more information on Suboxone and its use in treating heroin addiction.

When you abuse a drug like heroin, your body develops a tolerance for it. This means that you must take increasing dosages of heroin in order to get the same high. When you attempt to quit using heroin, you experience withdrawal symptoms, including the following:

Feeling jittery

Vomiting

Getting chills

Muscle aches and pains

Suboxone is a drug that contains buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is used to treat not only heroin addiction but other opioid addictions, too. Buprenorphine, a partial agonist to opioids, produces a mild form of the effects of opioids. It basically fools the brain into thinking your opioid craving has been met, though it does not produce the same high. However, because Buprenorphine and Suboxone do not create the same high as opioids, Suboxone and Buprenorphine are difficult to form an addiction to. Naloxone, another component of Suboxone, works as an antagonist to opioids.

Length of Use for Suboxone

Suboxone is a drug that must usually be taken for a long time to promote opioid recovery. Because Suboxone is a partial agonist, it still allows people to form some opioid dependence. When addicts attempt to stop taking Suboxone, they need to taper their dosage under the care of a medical professional.

People who take Suboxone for a short period, such as a month, usually end up relapsing and returning to opioid abuse. Thus, Suboxone should be taken for an extended period. Taking it for six months to one year is the norm, and many people take it for even longer. However, every patient is different. A medical professional can monitor the patient’s progress and advise on how long each patient should take Suboxone.

Suboxone should be used only under the guidance provided in a professional treatment program or under the care of a healthcare professional. Rehab clinicians can administer the correct dosage, and Suboxone can also be prescribed by a doctor. By pairing Suboxone with other therapies, clinicians and physicians can help addicts fight their addictions. Call us today for help 800-737-0933

Opioids fall into the category of narcotic pain medications. If not taken correctly, they can produce serious side effects, including addiction. The body has the ability to produce natural opioids, but when considerable pain relief is necessary, these medications may be prescribed. They work by attaching to pain receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and digestive tract. These receptors are known as opioid receptors and are part of the system that controls behaviors related to pain, reward, and addiction. Prescription opioids mimic our bodies’ natural neurotransmitters and when attached to these receptors, flood the brain with dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for thinking, emotion, and feelings of pleasure. Because prescription opioids are present in such large quantities, they create overstimulation in the brain. This leads to the reward-seeking behavior exhibited by those who have developed a dependence on these substances.

If you or a loved one are experiencing opioid dependence on any of these substances, our understanding counselors can help. If you are ready to speak to someone, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don’t hesitate to call us at 800-737-0933

One of the issues facing opioid addicts and their families is the lack of follow-up services after an initial round of addiction treatment has been completed. Drug cravings can continue to be an issue for months after a person goes through detoxification (detox). Good quality support services are imperative if a person in recovery is going to be successful at maintaining their sobriety.

Centers Offer Assessment and Referrals to Treatment

Pennsylvania is seeking to address this issue by establishing 45 Centers of Excellence. These Centers, which will be separate operations located inside existing addiction, medical and mental health facilities, will be used to assess an addict’s needs and make appropriate referrals to treatment programs and other services. The Centers can make referrals to the following types of addiction treatment options:

Once someone has been referred to treatment, they are treated by a team of specialists. The team will help the addict access treatment for medical and mental health concerns they are experiencing.

The Center of Excellence staff’s goal is to help the addict stay in treatment long-term, as this strategy has been identified as one of the important factors for long-term sobriety success. These Centers can also help addicts with social services, such as housing and employment, which are essential to being able to rebuild a life that is free from drugs and alcohol.

Addiction Medication Available Through Centers

The Centers will also offer addiction medication to clients. These drugs, including Vivitrol and Suboxone, are used to help curb cravings for opioids. When the medication is made available to clients in recovery, along with addiction counseling and treatment, the odds of being able to remain clean and sober are greatly increased compared to simply trying to “tough it out” without these types of support.

The state has committed $20.4 million in funding to the Centers for Excellence. The federal government will contribute an additional $5.4 million.

The Centers are expected to see about 11,500 people during the first year. Most of them will be Medicaid users; however, the Centers will accept clients with private insurance as well.

Finding Treatment Options

Many people in Pennsylvania seeking help for a substance abuse problem prefer to leave the state to focus on their recovery. This is one of the reasons that they chose facilities like Genesis House in Florida. Genesis House provides a range of individualized treatment services and continues to help people take giant leaps toward their long-term recovery. Contact Genesis House now for more information and help.